Grade 8 Curriculum
Below is the Core Curriculum for the 8th Grade.
Language Arts
- Reading a minimum of four novels independently and four as class projects
- Reading and interpreting poetry, fiction, and non-fiction works
- Writing a research paper, keeping a journal for each unit and assembling a portfolio
- Participating in oral presentations
Social Studies
Study of New York State and the United States - Part II
- Understanding the historical development of the United States from the pre-Civil War period through the present day
- Identifying the geographical factors that enables the United States to develop into a world power
- Understanding the role that the United States Constitution plays in the evolution of our political, social, and economic structures
- Developing an appreciation of what citizenship means in a democratic society
Science
- Chemistry: studying elements, compounds, chemical reactions, acids and bases
- Astronomy: understanding the solar system and life cycle of stars
- Mechanics: studying the laws of motion, work, and resistive forces, simple machines1
- Mapping: studying survey maps, contour lines, map symbols
- Understanding lab safety, scientific methodology
- Applying technology to science
Math
- Rational numbers: understanding numbers in various forms
- Algebra: evaluating multi-step expressions, equations and inequalities
- Plane/coordinate geometry: exploring concepts of circumference, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume of various two- and three-dimensional polygons
- Probability/statistics: analyzing data to determine measures of central tendency
- Ratio/proportion/percent: displaying an understanding of writing and solving word problems involving percent
Foreign Language
- Listening: understanding basic vocabulary used in everyday conversation
- Speaking: achieving a functional level of verbal expression using acceptable pronunciation
- Reading: understanding the main idea of short written passages
- Writing: expressing basic concepts in written form
- Culture: developing an appreciation and awareness of diverse cultural traits and patterns
NOTE: Students may be selected for an accelerated language course for high school credi.
Physical Education
- Acquiring the skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity, and maintain personal health
- Acquiring the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment
- Demonstrating responsible personal and social behavior
- Activities include: soccer, speedball, football, basketball, floor hockey, gymnastics, volleyball, lacrosse, softball, cooperative games, dance
Technology
- Using a variety of hand tools and machines to change materials into new forms
- Using appropriate graphic and electronic tools and techniques to process information
- Generating ideas for a possible solution
- Implementing a solution for a given problem
Instrumental Music
- Listening and performing accurately more advanced melodies and beginning to perform in odd meters (5/8, 7/8, 5/4)
- Playing all 12 major scales in 3- and 4-note patterns
- Enhancing individual musicianship by improving concepts of tone, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and balance in the band
- Recognizing different genres of music, articulation, and instrumentation and applying these concepts to performance
Vocal Music
- Studying the major musical periods from 1600 to the present
- Understanding basic music theory concepts by composing and notating a short melodic phrase
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